Etch is a next-era visual development environment that gives you the power to build scalable, maintainable, accessible WordPress sites visually, with none of the downsides of traditional page builders.
Etch WP Builder is quickly becoming one of the most talked-about innovations in the WordPress ecosystem—and for good reason. Developed by Kevin Geary and the Digital Gravy team, Etch aims to transform how WordPress sites are built, offering a unified, code-first environment that’s as approachable for beginners as it is empowering for professional developers.
What Makes Etch Different?
- Unified Visual Development Environment
Etch isn’t just another page builder. It’s a comprehensive visual development environment that brings together everything you need—custom post types, custom fields, templates, components, and media management—into a single, intuitive interface. No more juggling multiple plugins or tools; Etch streamlines your workflow so you can focus on building. No more jumping from hidden ‘magic’ areas to another. - Seamless Integration with WordPress Core & Gutenberg
Etch acts as an intermediary layer between WordPress core and Gutenberg, offering real-time, two-way sync. This means anything you create in Etch is visible and editable in Gutenberg, and vice versa. Content is saved as native WordPress blocks, ensuring there’s no vendor lock-in and your site remains portable and future-proof. - As Close to Code as Possible—Without the Overhead
Unlike traditional builders that hide code behind layers of abstraction, Etch puts you in the driver’s seat. You can work visually or dive into the code, thanks to class-first and CSS-first workflows, advanced selector systems, and integrated code authoring. The output is clean, semantic HTML and CSS that meets professional standards—so your site is fast, accessible, and easy to maintain. - Built for Everyone: Beginners and Pros
Etch is designed from the ground up for advanced users, but it’s equally accessible for those just starting out. Beginners can build visually and intuitively, while developers have the tools and flexibility to create custom components, manage advanced logic, and extend functionality through APIs. The interface is thoughtfully designed to be both powerful and approachable. - No More Plugin Overload
With Etch, you can create custom fields and post types natively—no need for ACF or similar plugins. Media management, template control, and even advanced features like loops, logic, and faceting are all built in. This unified approach means fewer compatibility headaches and a smoother development process. - Performance, Security, and Accessibility
Etch is built with performance and best practices in mind, using the modern Svelte 5 framework for a lightweight, responsive experience. The team is committed to clean code, security, and accessibility, bringing in experts to review and refine the product as it evolves. - Future-Proof and Extensible
Etch is not just about what’s possible today—it’s about where WordPress development is heading. With features like API extensibility, advanced component management, and a marketplace in the works, Etch is positioning itself as the unified hub for professional WordPress development.
Why Should Developers and Agencies Care?
- Clean, standards-compliant code output
- No vendor lock-in: content remains in native WordPress blocks
- Unified workflow: build, manage, and deploy all in one place
- Built for both rapid prototyping and complex, scalable projects
- Designed to evolve alongside WordPress and the block editor
Final Thoughts
Etch WP Builder is more than just another tool—it’s a vision for the future of WordPress. Whether you’re a seasoned developer looking to streamline your workflow or a beginner eager to build your first site, Etch offers the flexibility, power, and ease-of-use to help you succeed. As the WordPress landscape continues to evolve, Etch stands out as an era-4 tool that truly bridges the gap between visual editing and professional code standards—making WordPress efficient and exciting again for everyone.
If you want to future-proof your WordPress projects and work as close to code as possible—without sacrificing usability—Etch is well worth your attention.
